Visas and Insurance

Australian Student Visas

All Exchange and Study Abroad students MUST obtain an Australian Non Award Student Visa (sub-class 575) before arriving in Australia.

Please ensure entry to Australia is NOT attempted on any of the following: -         

Tourist Visa (which includes Subclass 976 , 651 , 676 , 679);     

Working Holiday Visa (which includes Subclass 417, 462);       

Work and Holiday Visa (which includes Subclass  462); 

• Enrolment for Study Abroad and Exchange students CANNOT take place without an Australian Non Award Student Visa (Subclass 575);
• Only holders of an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 575) can access OSHC.

Further information can be viewed at:http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/chooser/575.htm   This website also provides information about Country Assessment Levels (http://www.immi.gov.au/students/student-visa-assessment-levels.htm for a general overview). 

Australian Student Visa processing times will vary significantly depending on the country of citizenship and Assessment Level of that country, with Categories AL3 and AL4 taking considerably longer (see http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1219i.pdf for a full list of country Assessment Levels).    

You may wish to consult with your nearest Australian Embassy or High Commission.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship require every international student coming to Australia to have a compulsory student medical and hospital insurance which is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC),  The Exemptions are only given to the citizens of Sweden, Norway and New Zealand whom have direct reciprical relationships with the Australian Government. All other students must have OSHC. OSHC is organised by the ANU on your behalf before you arrive in Australia.

OSHC is a condition of Australian Student Visas issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Not all health services are covered by OSHC (for example pre-existing conditions, dental work or physiotherapy), so you may wish to enrol with a private health insurance organisation that offers services not covered by OSHC.

While Exchange students do not pay tuition fees they must still pay the Overseas Student Health Cover separately.

Travel insurance

It is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover such things as accidents, lost luggage or trip cancellation. OSHC does not cover travel to and from Australia.